The breakout lady-hero of 'Doctor Who' isn't going anywhere. Phew.

By this point, Doctor Who and uncontrollable crying come hand in hand. Last night’s Christmas episode followed the same suit, as it looked like we were bidding goodbye to The Doctor’s latest companion, Clara. And then, we actually did say goodbye to her. Time jumped forward for the Time Lord, and we got a much older Clara, musing about the fact that she wished she had time for a few more regrets in her life (or, at least I think that’s what she said, because the tears were coming hard and fast by that point).

Just when we thought this was the end for Clara and The Doctor’s travels — thanks to Santa, naturally! — they’re given more time together, being brought back from the future. It’s a little confusing, so just chalk it all up to a Christmas miracle. And this is a special gift, considering that Clara’s fate on the show had been left up in the air until the Christmas special. Any fan of Doctor Who knows that companions come and go all the time, and Clara’s been around for a while, since his last incarnation of the 11th Doctor (we’re on the 12th now. Doctor Who storylines are a way of life). It was highly speculated that Clara would depart the show at the conclusion of the season (and following the Christmas episode). Then, next season would bring the introduction of a brand new companion.

But, not so fast. RECORD SCRATCH.

Clara’s sticking around, having been given more time for those future reverts, and the final text of the episode confirms that: “The Doctor and Clara will return next year in ‘The Magician’s’ Apprentice.'”

“I get a whole other series of stories with the Doctor and I couldn’t walk away with the story being unresolved,” Clara herself, Jenna Coleman told the BBC, “I think they’ve finally just reached a point where they really understand each other.”

Good. Because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Clara myself just yet. She’s a tad more adventurous than previous companions — you know, considering all she’s given up and sacrificed to continue to travel in the TARDIS. And while I certainly loved previous companions Rose and Amy, I find that I can relate a lot easier to Clara. And even though there’s no full-fledged romance between her and The Doctor, it’s clear that they still love each other dearly. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her, and I’m so glad those waterfall tears of goodbye actually get to wait for another day.

Am I alone in my relief? What did you think of the Christmas episode? Are you glad Clara will be back for more adventures next season?